Preseason All-Conference: Bluegrass
Player of the Year: Drew Wilken, Ankeny Christian Academy (2018)
The conference’s leading returning scorer, it’s a high degree of skill and some nice athleticsm that make this ACA guard the easy pick for P.O.T.Y. Last season, he burst onto the scene, averaging 19.4 points on 48 percent file goal percentage. And this season, he could just be good enough to guide his team to a state tourney berth come March.
First Team
Drew Wilken, Ankeny Christian Academy (2018) 19.4 PPG, 48 FG%, 2.0 SPG
We saw this 6-foot-1 guard in person last winter, and he was very impressive. He held his own against a loaded field at our Top 250 Expo earlier this month. Wilken could give DeMeulanaere a run for his money.
Parker Hitt, Mormon Trail (2019) 15.8 PPG, 51 FG%, 3.3 APG, 2.8 SPG, 8.2 RPG
This do-it-all prospect was sensational last season as a sophomore, and there’s really nothing he can’t do. The scoring is high and efficient, and the rebounding is great, he steals and assists at a high rate, too.
Caleb Grizzle, Ankeny Christian Academy (2019) 12.7 PPG, 50 FG%, 3.0 BPG, 8.3 RPG
Grizzle brings a lot of versatility to the court; he’ll dominate the paint, then come out and can a triple. He’s a threat from anywhere on the court, and on both ends of the floor — what a weapon for ACA.
Bryce Alley, Lamoni (2018) 15.7 PPG, 2.1 APG, 2.7 SPG, 7.8 RPG
The conference’s third-leading returning scorer, Alley will bring a slew of scoring and rebounding to the Demons this season. And the defense isn’t bad either. Look for him to get up around 20 points and 10 boards per game this winter.
Mateo Varese, Moravia (2018) 13.5 PPG, 2.7 APG, 2.5 SPG, 6.8 RPG
This 6-foot point guard dabbles in a little bit of everything out on the floor. He’ll get you points, rebounds, assists and steals. Moravia could be very good this season, and Varese will be the catalyst.
Second Team
Paul Karpan, Melcher-Dallas (2018)
Keaton Gwinn, Morman Trail (2019)
Noah Nichols, Orient-Macksburg (2019)
Stephen Ansong, Lamoni (2020)
Jayce Goergen, Ankeny Christian Academy (2019)
Honorable Mentions
Travis Pollack, Mormon Trail (2018)
Brendan Gray, Moravia (2019)
Tucker Babbit, Moravia (2018)
Noah Wells, Seymour (2020)
Clay Ramsayer, Ankeny Christian Acadmey (2018)
Zach Dueker, Iowa Christian Academy (2020)
Blaise Cooper, Melcher-Dallas (2019)